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Cycling In Glencoe

By Crerar Group

15th September 2020

Cycling In Glencoe

Glencoe is the most famous and possibly the most impressive of Scotland’s many glens; filled with stunning landscapes and a rich history.

Despite the rugged terrain in and around Glencoe, there are many cycling opportunities for all abilities. So, why not see more of the local area and discover the amazing Scottish landscape on two wheels! From fast, flat roads to well-maintained mountain tracks, Glencoe offers an abundance of exciting cycling routes, and we’ve listed some of our favourites below.

Glencoe Orbital

The Glencoe Orbital offers a relaxing cycle along quiet roads and woodland trails to take you on a tour right around the glen. Beginning in Glencoe Village, you will travel towards the Lorn Folk Museum and the War Memorial, before riding over the old humpback bridge towards the main woodland trail of the orbital.

The start of the track enjoys wonderful views of the Pap of Glencoe which then leads you along the trail towards Loch Torren and Signal Rock. Where, according to local legend, the signal was given to begin the Glencoe Massacre, killing the Macdonald Clan; giving Glencoe its dark, unforgotten past.

Once you have passed the foot of this historic rock, make your way through the An Torr woodland and along the River Coe to be rewarded with great views up the glen towards the face of Aonach Dubh and the Bidean Nam Bean Munro. When you reach the end of the woodland track, you will then be led back to the main road and along the edge of Loch Achtriochtan which has striking views up through the glen, until you arrive back to Glencoe Village.

Crerar Group | 15 Best Things to Do in Glencoe for Adventurous Travelers ?? Crerar Group

Kinlochleven Circular Route

The Kinlochleven Circular Route is a favourite cycling route for many locals, including some of our Glencoe Inn & Gathering team members, so we know it’s a good one!

This cycling route travels 21 miles around an exhilarating circuit of reasonably quiet roads with a few inclines here and there. The route travels north from Glencoe along Loch Leven and goes around the

loch via Kinlochleven to then cross back over to the village of Glencoe across the Ballachulish Bridge, at the south end of the loch.

You will pass many waterfalls, including the Grey Mares Tail and be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the loch, and over to Eilean Munde, the burial island, where Scottish clans took their dead to rest in peace. You can even make a day trip out of this route and explore the small shops and cafes along the way.

Glencoe Mountain Resort

Travel up to the Glencoe Mountain Resort and explore the exciting trails across this tough terrain. Or if you prefer a more leisurely ride, you can discover the exciting 80 mile road loop around the range.

The Glencoe Mountain Resort offers some of the best downhill mountain biking in the country. The Glencoe mountain range enjoys striking views and fun descents over some of the toughest mountain biking tracks in Glencoe. The Red Routes combine epic views and fast, rocky descents with technical stretches that will test your mountain biking resilience. For the more experienced mountain bikers, Glencoe’s infamous Black Route will offer you steep declines, directly down the mountain face, with lots of drops, turns and rocks.

So, whatever your ability, the Glencoe Mountain Resort will definitely get your adrenaline pumping in the most spectacular location above the dramatic Glencoe landscape.

Glencoe Inn & Gathering

Situated in the shadow of the Pap of Glencoe, overlooking Loch Leven, the Glencoe Inn and Gathering is a friendly and welcoming inn that showcases the true warmth of Scottish hospitality. Its ideal location in the heart of Glencoe invites adventure seekers to enjoy a great night’s rest after a fun day walking and exploring Glencoe, the glen and beyond. You can enjoy local flavours and live music around wood- burning stoves and open fires in our lounge and bar, before heading to bed for a well-deserved rest. Our hearty Crerar breakfast will see you’re well-fed and ready to get back on the saddle again the next day.

If you’d like to take a day off cycling, explore all else that the Highlands has to offer, we’ve listed some adventure inspiration for you below.